Whisky distillery Diageo has added new expressions to its special Prima and Ultima edition. The fourth release brings other spirits which were either the first or the last in production cask.
This release in the edition constitutes eight bottles which were originally launched in 2020. Each was carefully crafted by the distillery’s Master Distiller, Dr Emma Walker. In a statement to the Whisky Business, she said:
“Each of these whiskies has been watched, influenced, and marked as outstanding. As well as being exceptional, these rare whiskies were each distilled during a specific, unrepeatable moment of note or change at each of the eight iconic distilleries.
“In curating this release I’ve drawn whiskies that not only are noteworthy in whisky history but also have a personal connection to myself.”
Building the Prima and Ultima Collection
According to Dr. Walker, her top picks included whiskies from some of the best distilleries in Diageo‘s reserve. These are:
- Talisker Distillery’s oldest whisky, a 46-year-old
- An ‘experimental’ 1996 single malt from Clynelish
- a Lagavulin from 1997
Walker reserved especially applause for the spirits from Bora and Port Ellen. She said:
”It has also been one of my dreams to craft a special 1977 Brora and I am so pleased that this release has seen this realized.”
Her love for the Bora brand is also reflected in this year’s participation in the Distillers One of Ome auction. Diageo sent a Bora 50-year-old to the auction.
However, the special collection could not be complete without these three additional whiskies. Oban Distillery debuts in the Prima & Ultima collection. Walker chose the last Oban casks from 1996. The legendary spirit rolled into the number six slot even as the distillery itself prepared a special offering to the Distillers One of One auction.
The final two slots came from the Singleton of Dufftown 1985 and a Pittyvaich 1992.
Diageo has released 413 full sets of Prima and Ultima Fourth Release. You may acquire each at retail value for £45,580 (US$56,846).
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